If you suffer from neck pain, chances are that you’re all too familiar with the sleepless nights, limited range of motion, and unrelenting pain that can make your life miserable. Neck pain can be chronic, which means that you’ve had it for a long time; or it can be acute, which is more recent and generally more severe.There are a number of causes of neck pain, including trauma, turning and reaching at the same time, drafts, and bad ergonomics. However, the most common cause of neck pain, however, is stress. Most people who are overwhelmed and under a lot of stress will tell you that the physical manifestation of their stress is tightness, muscle knots, and pain in their neck and upper back. This has been the case since caveman times, when our furry ancestors raised the hackles on their neck in threatening situations. While a cranky boss, looming deadline, or a failing relationship isn’t the same as the threat of being eaten, your body still reacts in the same way, resulting in a tight, stiff neck.In Chinese medicine, your stiff neck is a classic case of stagnation. This simply means that the tightness in your upper back and neck create a slowdown in the circulation of blood and energy in the area. In addition, as your neck becomes tight and painful, the pain can move upward causing headaches, tooth grinding, and jaw pain; or it can move downward and cause back pain and tightness.The antidote to neck pain in Chinese medicine is acupuncture, which works in two ways. It can help relieve the pain and tightness in your neck by increasing the circulation of blood and energy, and it can also help to relieve stress.You should check with your Western doctor if your neck pain is accompanied by confusion, fever, or drowsiness. Also, if your neck pain radiates into your arms or hands, or if you feel numbness or tingling, it may be the sign that a disk is injured and should also be checked out.Some things you can do on your own to help relieve your neck pain include:

Get some heat on it. Take a warm shower, use a heating pad, warm rice bag, or a towel soaked in hot water. By putting heat on your neck, you are increasing the circulation, loosening tight muscles, and enhancing your range of motion.

Increase your flexibility. After you have warmed up your stiff neck, move your head up and down as if you were nodding yes. Then slowly move your head from side to side as if you were saying no. Tilt your head, moving your ear toward your shoulder on each side. These stretches will help increase your range of motion, but remember, don’t do anything that is intensely painful.

Sleep on it. Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. This helps you maintain the natural curvature of your spine, and will help you avoid sleeping on your side, which can aggravate a stiff neck.

Hold the phone. Keep the phone off of your shoulder. If you’re on the phone a lot at work, get a headset or hold the phone with your hand.

Take a break. If you’re on your computer all day, make sure you take regular breaks to get up, stretch, and walk around.

Eyes forward. Make sure that your work station is ergonomically correct. This means that you shouldn’t have to look sideways to see your computer screen, look downward all day long, or be sitting in an uncomfortable position.

Stay away from drafts. Cold air blowing on your neck can be an underlying cause of a stiff neck. Avoid sleeping in a draft, and be sure to wear a scarf on cool, cold and windy days.

Get some acupuncture. In most cases, your stiff neck will be gone in a few days. However, acupuncture can be extremely helpful in speeding up the healing process.

In TCM, we also recommend you to do cupping with acupuncture and massage together to help reduce the pain more efficiently.

﻿Some women may opt to try Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common, growing threat to women’s fertility, vastly unrecognized by doctors and women alike.Traditional Chinese Medicine & PCOSTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is as old as Chinese civilization itself. TCM gets its theoretical basis from the Taoist principles of yin and yang, the five movements, and Qi (pronounced “chi”). As early as the 1200s, Chinese medicine recognized PCOS, describing it as a “Tian Gui” disorder. This is a genetic disorder with symptoms of an irregular menstrual cycle and infertility caused by anovulation.According to TCM, PCOS is considered an anovulation disorder related to ovarian insulin resistance.PCOS and fertilityAccording to western medicine, most women with PCOS have one of the primary symptoms below:

Menstrual irregularities and ovulation dysfunction

Insulin resistance

Excess facial and body hair growth

Skin problems

Polycystic ovaries

PCOS can be linked with infertility and other long-term health consequences such as diabetes and heart disease. Many women with PCOS are first diagnosed when they have problems getting pregnant.PCOS and the kidneysIn Traditional Chinese Medicine, practitioners describe PCOS as a Kidney Deficiency. In TCM, the symptom of irregular or absent menstrual periods, along with the absence of ovulation is considered a kidney disease process. The kidney in TCM is the organ system that is regarded with any genetic disorder and, thus, considered the root cause in polycystic ovarian syndrome. Modern western medicine also considers PCOS an inherited condition.PCOS and the spleenIn TCM, PCOS is considered to be a Spleen Deficiency. A Spleen Deficiency relates to the symptom of insulin resistance. With TCM, the spleen is in charge of metabolizing the vitamins and minerals from foods, as well as changing and carrying body fluids. TCM practitioners would consider the spleen dysfunctional in women with ovarian cysts.The spleen is also the organ that is correlated with weight gain in TCM. About 30 to 60 percent of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are obese. TCM believes that when the function of the spleen is improved, it helps to regulate blood glucose and weight gain. A healthy spleen also ends excessive fluid accumulation in ovarian cysts.PCOS and the liverTCM recognizes a third pattern of Liver Stagnation with PCOS. Liver Stagnation can manifest as Blood Stasis or excess heat in the channels or meridians of the body.Blood Stasis in the body’s meridians or channels nourishes the hair follicles excessively, creating the coarse and unwanted hair. This sign is consistent with hirsutism, a common symptom that affects about 70 percent of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Excessive heat in the meridians or channels of the body also triggers the acne component of PCOS.TCM treatment for PCOSThe main goal when trying to improve fertility in women with PCOS is to induce ovulation. To induce ovulation, TCM practitioners treat the main organs, including the kidney, spleen, and liver. The practitioner may use a combination of acupuncture, and herbal therapy.The concept behind Traditional Chinese Medicine is very progressive. Not only is it highly personal, but TCM was one of the first traditions to grasp the potential within the broader field of preventative medicine.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE SUGGESTIONS FOR REDUCING YOUR HAY FEVER SYMPTOMSWhat if there were natural hay fever remedies that not only worked to treat the symptoms but prevented the condition appearing? Natural hay fever remedies based on traditional Chinese medicine principles may be an effective way to gain control of your health.WHAT IS HAY FEVERHay fever is a common respiratory condition effectively treated in a Chinese medicine clinic. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to allergens in our environment, affecting the nose, eyes, lungs and sinus cavities causing very uncomfortable and frustrating symptoms. Typical hay fever symptoms include:

itchy eyes & throat

runny nose

sneezing

sinus congestion

headaches

irritability

depression

insomnia

loss of appetite

From a Chinese medicine perspective hay fever is seen as an inability to produce enough energy from the digestive system for a healthy immune response to wind and allergens.Below are diet, exercise and relaxation suggestions often given in conjunction with acupuncture and herbal medicine to reduce hay fever symptoms.For the best results, consult your local Chinese medicine practitioner for a Chinese medicine diagnosis. When a Chinese medicine practitioner observes your tongue and feels your pulse, the root cause of your condition may be uncovered and therefore more specific foods, herbs and acupuncture given for faster results.

HAY FEVER FROM A CHINESE MEDICINE PERSPECTIVEIn Chinese medicine the digestive system is responsible for converting energy from food to produce defensive energy. When the the digestive energy is depleted through poor diet, worry, stress and lack of exercise, it cannot produce enough wei qi which is important to defend against outside wind and pollen. Without healthy we qi, wind penetrates the body to produces hay fever systems of sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, running nose etc.To strengthen wei qi, the main idea in Chinese diet therapy is to eat foods that will take very little to digest. By eating easily digestible foods your can produce defensive energy with minimal effort. By eating difficult foods to digest the spleen will consume more energy and instead of producing healthy energy, will produce phlegm and dampness, often resulting in fatigue, bloating and reduced immune function.In Chinese medicine philosophy a diet that avoids cold raw foods and increases warm nourishing foods is recommended to prevent hay fever.FOODS TO AVOID TO REDUCE HAY FEVER SYMPTOMSSome foods are difficult to digest and actually weaken the digestive system. These foods are considered cold and damp in nature. Cold damp foods weaken the spleen energy and instead of creating energy and blood they produce phlegm in the body, predisposing you to hay fever. Simply avoiding the following foods that damage digestion and weaken your defensive energy can be the best hay fever remedies :

FOODS TO ADD TO REDUCE HAY FEVER SYMPTOMSWarming foods are natural hay fever remedies. Warm easily digested foods reduces the amount of energy your body is required to digest them which will build your own body’s energy. In Chinese culture you’ll often find a combination of hot dishes at any meal from soup, starters, rice, vegetables and meat. Aim to eat warm foods at each meal such as:

vegetable soups

congee

porridge

stir fries

WARM WATER FOR HAY FEVERFollowing the idea of adding warming substances into your body, water can also be taken warm to hot. Drinking warm water or a cup of herbal tea such as green tea after a meal is an excellent digestive aid, therefore helping to produce more defensive energy.QUALITY FOODS AND DRINKSThe quality of food and water you put into your body should be from the healthiest sources possible. Choose water from natural springs or from high quality water filters that add minerals back into the water. Water makes up 70% of our bodies and has a large influence on our physical and mental health.Choose organic and bio-dynamic food where possible. Did you know bio-dynamically grown plants defend against bugs through defensive energy, where as conventionally grown plants rely on chemicals to kill bugs. If you want to strengthen you body, consume food that is strong and natural.RECIPES TO REDUCE HAY FEVER1. Acute hay fever remedy recipe: chrysanthemum flower teaTo reduce the hay fever symptoms of itchy eyes, irritability and sneezing a simple hay fever remedy is to take chrysanthemum flower tea when the symptoms are present.Ingredients

Dried chrysanthemum flowers

2 cups of hot water

How to prepare: tear off a small amount of dried chrysanthemum flowers and add to boiling water. Allow 10-15 minutes for the tea to infuse and drink warm.Sip on tea whenever you have the symptoms of hay fever.2. Preventative hay fever remedy recipe: brown rice walnut congeeIngredients

1 cup of brown rice (organic bio-dynamic if available)

1 cup chicken stock

8 cups of water

sea salt

walnuts

How to prepare:

To speed up cooking time, add brown rice to a food processor or blender first while dry to break into small parts.

In a large pot add brown rice, water and chicken stock and bring to boil.

Add in walnuts and a pinch of salt.

When water’s boiling, turn to a simmer and add lid on a slight angle to allow steam out.

Continue to simmer on low to medium heat for 2-5 hours until the rice has broken down to a smooth consistency.

Eat congee for breakfast and as a starter before meals. Congee will re-balance your digestion, allowing you to absorb more energy from meals, building protective energy to prevent hay fever.EXERCISE AS A NATURAL HAY FEVER REMEDYFrom a Chinese medicine perspective when you suffer from hay fever, your energy isn’t flowing smoothly. Your body’s designed to move and can easily stagnate due to our modern society of sitting and suppressing emotions.By moving your body daily with vigorous exercise you will release pent up emotions which can damage digestion and smooth the flow of energy in your body.Make sure you get up and move your body everyday. Start with walking for 20 minutes daily and build up to a strong workout of 30-45 minutes per day. Tai chi is an excellent exercise to move your energy and calm the mind.SELF MASSAGE AS A NATURAL HAY FEVER REMEDYAcupuncture and acupressure can give immediate relief of hay fever symptoms from my clinical experience. Below are easy acupressure techniques you can use at home to relieve hay fever naturally.1. Find the point in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. Press 100 times.2. Press just to the side of each nostril 100 times.3. Massage along your hairline at the back of your neck.4. Grasp one shoulder with the opposite hand 3-5 times, and then lightly pound with a loose fist 30-50 times. Repeat other side. These acupressure points are known to release wind from the body and therefore hay fever symptoms.MEDITATION AS A NATURAL HAY FEVER REMEDYOur modern lifestyle can cause us to be in a constant state of stress. When your body’s stressed, your energy becomes blocked, affecting your digestion and immune system and leaving you susceptible to hay fever symptoms. Practice relaxing your body on a daily basis. If you’re unfamiliar with meditation, practice another activity that you feel relaxed afterwards such as walking the dog, tai chi, having a bath etc.ADDITIONAL TIPS

Steaming: over a basin of hot water, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil and breathe in the steam. This will help to loosen congestion through the sinuses and lungs.

Probiotics: it’s been shown there’s a link between low healthy bacteria in the gut and susceptibility to allergies. Take a good quality probiotic and you’ll also be helping your ability to digest food.

Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Massage May Work to Relieve Your Herniated Disc PainWritten by Jason M. Highsmith, MD​Alternative and complementary treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure, and massage may relieve pain associated with a herniated or bulging disc.If you're considering these treatments, you should consult a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioner. This title can be confusing—even though alternative medicine and complementary medicine follow the same methods, they are different in that alternative forms are used in place ofconventional medicine, whereas complementary treatments are used with conventional medicine.Exploring alternative methods may not only make you more relaxed and pain free but also keep you out of the operating room. For a herniated disc, you may want to try:Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese practice is rooted in the belief that everyone has an energy force called the Chi (sometimes spelled Qi, but both are pronounced "chee"). When the Chi is blocked or unbalanced, your body may respond with pain and illness. Traditional acupuncturists aim to free up Chi channels, known as meridians, by inserting extremely thin needles into specific points in your body's meridians.Based on your specific diagnosis, the practitioner will likely insert multiple needles that are left in for about 20-40 minutes.It has also been suggested that acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins into the blood stream. Simply put, endorphins are your body's natural pain relievers. As such, their release decreases your perception of pain.Similarly, the Gate Control Theory may play a role in acupuncture's effectiveness at reducing pain. This theory asserts that pain signals travel slowly from the area of injury to the spinal cord into the brain because the nerves can only handle a limited number of signals at once. Acupuncture is thought to generate faster signals to crowd out the slow-moving pain signals, thus blocking out the pain.More In-depth Articles on Herniated Disc Treatments

Acupressure: Not surprisingly, acupressure is very similar to acupuncture. Both are ancient techniques that restore a healthy flow of energy through the body by stimulating specific meridian points. But acupressure simply relies on fingers, hands, and elbows—not needles—to administer pressure. Acupressure is for people of all ages but not for pregnant women (some acupressure points may cause miscarriage) and those with high blood pressure.Massage: When received regularly, massage may offer chronic low back pain relief. A massage involves the stroking, kneading, and manipulation of your back tissues. These movements increase blood flow, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. Extra blood also carries away waste byproducts that may accumulate over time.While massage is not a proven treatment for herniated discs, it's generally safe and free of side effects. However, massage may not be right for you if you suffer from osteoporosis, deep vein thrombosis, skin infections, open wounds, or arthritis in or near the area to be massaged.

There are more than 100 types of massage techniques. A Swedish massage, for instance, uses long strokes to impact the superficial layers of your muscles. In contrast, a deep tissue massage uses direct pressure and slow strokes to soothe your deep layers of muscle and relieve chronic muscular tension. Your massage therapist will work with you to determine what specific massage will best reduce your pain.

When you start any new medical program, let your practitioner know if you have any health conditions besides pain from your herniated disc. It's also important to note that these treatments are most effective when used as complementary treatments (that is, combined with conventional medicine).

Is it possible to manage, reduce, or even live without chronic pain? Traditional Chinese Medicine views pain differently than Western medicine, and proposes treatments such as acupuncture for the relief of immediate or chronic discomfort.The TCM Definition of PainThe Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) definition of pain is based on the concepts of Yin and Yang, and is significantly different from the definition of pain proposed by Western medicine.TCM defines pain as an imbalance between Qi (energy) and Blood. This can be due to a deficiency of Qi, or Blood, or it can happen when Qi and Blood become stuck in a specific place.Whenever the free flow of Qi and Blood is obstructed, according to TCM, the organs begin to function improperly and, thus, pain develops.TCM also believes that pain is either exacerbated or alleviated by the emotional state of the patient, and is often caused by stress. TCM does not differentiate between physical and emotional pain: the TCM practitioner treats the “bodymind.”TCM Pain ControlAccording to practitioners and devotees, Traditional Chinese Medicine can do the following:

TCM can reduce the patient’s level of pain.

TCM can improve the patient’s ability to deal with pain, and can regulate the negative emotions associated with pain, such as fear, anxiety, frustration.

TCM can also enhance the quality of life, and even relieve pain completely.

It is significant to note that TCM is intended to not only treat the pain itself, but also the full range of ailments associated with that pain.How TCM Practitioners Treat PainAs with any conventional Western medical practice, the treatment of pain begins with the practitioner taking a detailed history of the patient. According to Peilin, such a history would include many aspects of a patient’s life, such as sleep habits, emotions, diet, exercise, previous operations, and an examination of the patient’s tongue, pulse, skin color, stool, urine, hair, and breath.The most common TCM treatment of pain is a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicines. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very thin needles into the skin for the purpose of stimulating specific points in the body. This therapy is intended to balance the movement of energy in the body, and is often accompanied by local massage and the use of moxibustion – a burning stick of dried herbs that applies heat to a specific area, much like a heating pad or hot water bottle.

TCM Treatments & IBSThe basic treatment principle for irritable bowel syndrome is to relieve the Liver Qi Stasis, strengthen the Spleen Qi, harmonize the Liver and Spleen Zang, and eliminate the Dampness or Damp-Heat.People with irritable bowel syndrome often respond well to acupuncture, herbal medicine,. All three therapies may be used together for maximum effect. Before using these modalities as a primary treatment, however, it is important to have a thorough physical examination by a physician to rule out other causes of the symptoms.IBS & AcupunctureAcupuncture treatment varies according to the extent to which each Pattern of Disharmony is involved.

Liver Qi Stasis might be treated with points such as Liver 3 (Tai Chong) and Large Intestine 4 (He Gu), which also alleviates intestinal Wind caused by the constrained Liver Qi.

Spleen Qi Deficiency may be treated with points such as Stomach 36 (Zu San Li) and Spleen 4 (Gong Sun). A combination of these points may be used if the Liver is Invading the Spleen. Likewise, points on the abdomen, such as Stomach 25 (Tian Shu) and Spleen 15 (Da Heng), may help balance symptoms of diarrhea and constipation, and Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan) might be useful as well, as it affects the Liver and Stomach (which is paired with the Spleen) and helps balance the emotions and relieve stress.

If there is Dampness or Damp-Heat, Spleen 9 (Yin Ling Quan) may be added to the point formula.IBS & Herbal MedicineHerbal medicine also focuses on balancing the Qi of the Liver and Spleen Zang.

Liver Qi Stasis might be treated with a combination of herbs such as Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae), and Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi), and the addition of Fang Feng (Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae) may be used to alleviate intestinal Wind caused by the constrained Liver Qi.

Spleen Qi Deficiency may be treated with herbs such as Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) and Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis). A combination of these herbs may be used if the Liver is Invading the Spleen.

Other herbs may be used to balance symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. For example, the addition of Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae Lappae), Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), and Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis) may control diarrhea, cramping, and pain, while constipation may be treated with the addition of Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus). Herbs such as Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosi) along with Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) may help balance the emotions and relieve stress.If there is Dampness or Damp-Heat, Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poria Cocos) or Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemesia Capillaris) may be added to the formula.

Acupuncture is a very effective way to fight acne and with no side effects to worry about. Many of our clients have experienced extremely positive results after this treatment. During acupuncture therapy, you are also required to undergo certain nutritional and lifestyle changesto obtain the best results.

Acne is a very common problem of the pilosebaceous glands. Milder cases perhaps only require external treatments such as a deep cleansing facial. But some more severe cases may require internal and external treatments, otherwise the acne can leave permanent scars when it recedes.

Acupuncture treats acne with no negative side effects.The cause of acne

Lung Heat: Symptoms include acne with a predominance of lesions on the forehead and near the nose. There may be slight itching as well. In cases with a rapid onset of new lesions, the patient may complain of chills or sensitivity to Wind. The patient may have an aversion to heat and feel thirsty. The tongue is generally red with a thin yellow coat, and the pulse may be rapid and floating.

Stomach Heat: Symptoms include acne with a predominance of lesions around the mouth and on the chest, shoulders, and back. The patient may have an aversion to heat; have a large appetite and thirst; and prefer greasy, spicy foods. There may be a tendency to pass dry stools as well. The tongue is usually red with a thick yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid and forceful.

Toxic Heat: Symptoms include severe acne, strongly inflamed with pus-filled nodules and much reddening of the skin around the lesions. The patient may have an aversion to heat as well and may complain of malaise. The tongue is generally red with a dry yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.

Damp Heat: Symptoms include acne composed of deep, pus-filled, inflamed nodules. The skin usually is oily, and the patient may have an aversion to heat. He or she may be thirsty but have no desire to take fluids. The tongue generally is red or crimson, with a greasy or sticky coating. The pulse is rapid and may have slippery or wiry qualities as well.Blood Heat: Symptoms include acne that is accompanied by a flushed face and strong aversion to heat. The patient may complain of thirst, dark urine, and dry stools. The tongue usually is red (with a redder tip) and has a yellow coating, or may be crimson in colour. The pulse usually is rapid and thin.

Ann Johnston Traditional Chinese medicine can reduce high blood pressure, without the side effects of antihypertensive drugs. Ann Johnston reports.

Most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms and are unaware that they have the condition at all. Given that your blood pressure naturally varies over a 24-hour period, your doctor should take several readings or give you a 24-hour monitor to determine whether you do indeed have high blood pressure. “High blood pressure and hypertension can be two different things,” explains traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner, Yun Niu Ph.D. "Hypertension is chronic high blood pressure, whereas blood pressure may increase under certain circumstances. Think about recent events: have you been under a lot of stress? If you can identify and resolve a possible culprit, your blood pressure may normalise. Herbs and acupuncture can be effective, but may take time.”

The TCM perspectiveIn TCM, high blood pressure results primarily from three conditions. 1. Excess liver yang energy or deficiency of yin liver energy: Excess liver yang energy can be caused by emotional stress; stress from anger, worry, frustration or a busy life; poor diet; and deficiency of yin liver energy. Sudden emotional stress can raise blood pressure, because when you're stressed, liver energy goes upwards, whereas it naturally likes to go downwards. When stress is chronic, it affects your emotions, and therefore liver energy. Symptoms: Bad temper; red face; red, sore, dry eyes; dry mouth; bitter taste; thirst; dry stools; irritability; tinnitus; impatience; dizziness; thick head; headache. Symptoms associated with a deficiency of yin liver energy are similar, but are more inclined to happen late in the day. Treatment: A combination of reducing yang energy, while reinforcing yin energy to restore balance. Acupuncture can redirect liver energy downwards, making it easier to cope with stress. However, it does not eliminate stress, so stress-management strategies are essential. 2. Deficiency of kidney yang energy, or kidney yin energy, or both: Lack of kidney yang energy manifests in a pounding heart and palpitations. In TCM, the kidney and heart are connected, so if kidney yang energy is weak and not supporting heart energy, the heart shows symptoms. Sometimes it may be associated with a sore back; frequent night urination; loose teeth; hair loss; tiredness; poor memory; weight gain; poor sleep; shortness of breath; low libido; and tendency to feel cold. Symptoms: Red face; clammy or hot palms; more inclined to feel hot; hot flushes; dry mouth, particularly at bedtime; palpitations; impatience; restless sleep or not sleeping. Treatment: A combination of improving kidney yang energy and kidney yin energy. 3. Mucus: In TCM, this results from spleen energy deficiency, which governs transformation and use of fluids. Deficient spleen energy compromises spleen function. You may experience fluid retention, especially around the gut and digestive system, and for a longer period of time. Excess fluid behaves like mucus: in TCM, this is called internal mucus. While you may not see it, it can circulate with your energy and lodge anywhere in your body, blocking energy and blood circulation. Symptoms: Nausea; feeling full or bloated easily; loose or sticky stools; belching; not feeling refreshed after sleeping; fatigue, feeling sluggish and heavy; weight gain; thick head; reduced appetite; and frequent urination in small amounts. There's also the blockage that occurs when mucus stays in the body for too long. This creates heat, called ‘mucous fire’, which gives rise to irritability; palpitations; red face; tinnitus; a feeling of fullness. Symptoms of excess of yang energy may also be present. Treatment: Avoid eating anything that will further compromise spleen function: sweet foods, dairy, and anything that is hard to digest. Sip water often rather than drinking large amounts at a time. Citrus, especially dried lemon or mandarin peel, can clear mucus, while ginger is effective for sluggishness and yang energy-deficiency.

"Some people with high blood pressure may suffer from all three conditions," Yun adds, "in which case, the TCM practitioner will identify the dominant problem and prescribe herbal medicines, foods and/or a formula for acupuncture to deal with it."

Know your numbersA normal blood pressure reading is one that is less than 120/80 (20 over 80) – this is shorthand for a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80. Generally blood pressure is thought to be high when it is consistently above 140/90. Permanently raised blood pressure may result in heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.

Summertime heart treatWatermelon hits the spot on a hot, sunny day, and we know it’s a great source of fluid, fibre and vitamin C. Now a study in the American Journal of Hypertension shows it also contains amino acids that actually reverse pre-hypertension by improving arterial function and proper blood flow, and lowering blood pressure.

Try it!* Acupuncture: In the early stages of hypertension, a combination of acupuncture and herbal remedies can help. For long-term high blood pressure, acupuncture can complement Western medicine. Acupuncture may also be helpful in reducing headache, dizziness, improving the quality of sleep, and reducing stress. * Acupressure: Use your fingertip to apply medium pressure to the Tai Yang point, situated in the depression at the temple, one finger behind the lateral end of the eyebrow and eyelid. The Susanli point is found on the lower leg 2.5cm to the outside of and 7.5cm below the kneecap. Use your fingertip to press this point for one minute. * Diet: Celery is recommended, and cooked celery with vinegar helps to reduce blood pressure. Other foods recommended in TCM are peaches, dates, grapefruit, sunflower seeds, Daikon radishes, tomatoes, hawthorn, and corn.

Eat plenty of bitter, sour, and pungent foods. According to Chinese medicine, these foods are good for weight loss. Avoid sweet, salty, and greasy foods because they lead to weight gain.

Take a Chinese herbal supplement or drink a Chinese herbal tea. Certain Chinese herbs help suppress appetite, increase metabolism, and burn fat. Some Chinese herbs thought to be beneficial for weight loss include He Ye, Fu Ling, Huang Qi, and Chi Qian Cao. Bao He Wan is an over-the-counter Chinese weight loss remedy that contains a number of herbs. For the best results, consult a practitioner of Chinese medicine who can design a treatment plan catered to your needs.

Have a consultation with an acupuncturist. He will do a thorough examination to figure out what points on your body need to be stimulated. When needles are inserted into certain points of the body, they restore underlying imbalances and replenish the flow of qi, or life energy, according to Chinese medicine. The stagnation of qi in certain areas of the body can lead to weight gain.

Acupuncture may help curb your appetite, speed your metabolism, and maximize the absorption of nutrients. Ear acupuncture is believed to be particularly effective for weight loss because the ear contains points that correspond to all major organs and body parts. Acupuncturists sometimes place beads or magnets on the auricular points after each acupuncture treatment to maintain effectiveness between sessions. Massage the beads or magnets for about ten seconds any time you have a food craving.

Press the large intestines 4, pericardium 6, and stomach 36 points firmly for two minutes every day to aid digestion and elimination. Every morning and evening, give yourself an abdominal massage by using your fingers to exert pressure in the direction of your large intestines in order to promote digestion. Practice breathing deeply from your abdomen every morning to curb food cravings, increase energy, and promote relaxation.

Laser Lipo treatment could help you to sculp your shape and elimilate your unwanted fat forever. Firstly, Laser lipo may be new as a body contouring treatment, but the use of this type of laser is actually long standing. Lumislim and similar machines us a low hazard cold laser diode emitter that is active on the 650nm wavelength. This frequency of laser energy stimulates the fat cell membranes, changing their permeability. The cells lose their round shape, and intracellular fat is released.

Next, the fatty triglycerides flow out of the disrupted cell membranes and into the interstitial space, where they gradually pass through the body’s lymphatic system and cause no harmful physiological effects. The fat is then used as an energy source for the body or passed in the urine as waste.

Tips & Warnings

Remember to eat a balanced diet and exercise at least thirty minutes a day. Chinese medicine is not a miracle weight loss cure and should not be treated as such. A healthy diet and exercise are an essential part of any weight loss program.

Talk to your doctor before taking any Chinese herbal remedy. The effects of these formulas are not scientifically proven. Some of them could be dangerous.

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, and is accompanies by pain, swellingand changes in structure.The distance between bones within joints becomes narrower and the special cartilage that forms a smooth liningat the ends of the bones becomesthinner and irregular.There is a restriction in the range of movement togetherwith the characteristic cracking and creaking noises that are caused by the rubbing together of the two irregular surfaces. The affected joints usually feel stiff after a period ofimmobility (in the morning after sleep) and are more mobile after some activities.

There are two majority of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoidis more serve with the development of marked deformity and loss of function. Osteoarthritis is more common and results from norma ear and tear, which leads toaffect joints that have been subjected to overuse, trauma or excessive weight bearing.

Perspective of traditional Chinese medicine

In TCM arthritis classified as “bi zheng”, which means painful obstruction. Arthritisis due to a blockage in the normal free flow of blood and QI (energy) in the body. The ancient Chinese were aware of the circulation of both blood and energy throughout the body via a complex network of vessels and channels (meridian). Normally, for the health person there is free flow and normal distribution of this substances to all parts of body,. Diseases are a disruption to this flow. For arthritis, the QI and blood are obstructed by the invasion of climatic influence from the environment such as wind, cold, heat and dampness. These factors usually gain access to the body because of a pre-existing weakness or imbalance.In this way the environmental influence become lodged in various places in the body.The combination of factors from the outside with imbalances within the body causes the QI and blood flow to become blocked in some of the joints. Each person’s particular symptoms give an indication of the type ofpathogens that are present. Pain that moves from one location to another is due to wind; fixed pain which feels numb and heavy is due to dampness; inflammation with red and hot joints is duce to heat; severe pain withoutredness or heat is due to cold.

In practice, arthritis is mainly due to wind and dampness. In many cases cold orheat are also involved. The individual’s overall state of heath plays an important part, and if the bloods, the QI the liver or the kidneys are in a weakened condition, this will predispose an individual towards the invasion of the external pathogens and allow them to take hold.

TCM treatment

Treatment is usually a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.The main mechanism is to restore the normal flow of QI and blood and to strengthen any underlying weaknesses. This provides the quickest and most complete approach to the relief of pain and the healing of damaged tissues

Chinese herbal medicine includes dry herbs and herbal tablets. Dry herbs are prescribed after a consultation and vary according to the person need. Ready made herbal tablets may also be purchased over the counter.

Also available is massage oil and Chinese herbal plasters, which can be used in conjunction with the ready made herbal tablets.

Help yourself

There are several things that you can do to assist the treatment and help reduce deterioration. These include dietary and life-style changes:

Avoid or reduce any activities that put too much stress on particular joints. You will usually notice that certain movements or postures will worsen your condition andtherefore these should be avoided. This may involve a change of accupation or hobby and correction of posture.

Take gentle daily exercise for the whole body, including gentle stretching. The joints should be taken through theirwhole range of movement and stretched as far as possible within your tolerance of pain.

Certain foods may aggravate arthritis, the common ones being tomatoes, aubergine, capsicum, spinach, rhubarbs,gooseberries, black and red currents. These should be avoided for several months and then reintroduced gradually. If you notice a worsening of the condition, then the offending food should be omitted entirely. Stronglyacidic foods should be minimized or avoided; these include red meet, eggs, most cheeses, vinegar, pickles, white flour, white sugar, coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages. Any foods that cause digestive problems such as heartburn, wind diarrhea or constipation should also be avoided. Inorganic minerals such as salt and some spring waters (with a high mineral content) should be minimized or avoided.

It is important to maintain your correct body weight and reduce it if necessary as this will help relieve the stress on the bearing joints.